Apparatus and method for diagnosing valve failure of refrigerator

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator by detecting whether or not a first valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration compartment and a second valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a second refrigeration compartment are abnormal. The apparatus includes a first temperature sensor measuring a temperature in the first refrigeration compartment, a second temperature sensor measuring a temperature in the second refrigeration compartment, and a controller configured to determine whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened. The apparatus further includes a display configured to display the determination result indicating whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0077028, filed on Jul. 3, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for diagnosing component failure of a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND

In general, a refrigerator is used for storing items such as food, beverage, and the like at a low temperature for a long period of time. For example, the refrigerator freezes or refrigerates items depending on the various types of items to be stored.

The temperature in the refrigerator is maintained at a set level by supplying cold air generated by a cooling cycle. Therefore, the refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator are disposed in a machine room disposed at one side of the refrigerator and configured to supply cold air into the refrigerator.

For example, a refrigerant gas is compressed to a high-temperature and high-pressure state by a compressor. While the refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state is passing through the condenser, heat from condensation is released to the outside. Then, the refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state is vaporized while passing through an expansion valve. The refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state absorbs evaporation latent heat from ambient air and is vaporized by the evaporator. In this manner, cold air is generated through a heat transfer process.

In the case of a refrigerator having two refrigeration compartments, e.g., a dual compartment refrigerator, the flow of the refrigerant toward each refrigeration compartment is adjusted by a step valve. However, it is difficult to determine on a production line whether or not the step valve is defective. Therefore, if the step valve of the dual compartment refrigerator operates abnormally, excessive cooling or insufficient cooling occurs in the refrigerator.

Accordingly, there is a demand for a technique capable of readily detecting failure of the step valve on a production line and thereby reducing the failure rate of the refrigerator.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for diagnosing a valve failure by readily detecting failure of a valve.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator by detecting whether or not a first valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration compartment and a second valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a second refrigeration compartment are abnormal, including: a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the first refrigeration compartment; a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the second refrigeration compartment; a controller configured to determine whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened; and a display configured to display a determination result of the controller, the determination result indicating whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.

The controller may be operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determine that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state when the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is constant.

The controller may be operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determine that “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is constant and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is decreased, wherein “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment.

The controller may be operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determine that “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when both of the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are decreased, wherein “valve leakage failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in an open state.

The controller may be operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determine that “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are constant, wherein “valve operation failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in a closed state.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator including: a first refrigeration compartment comprising a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the first refrigeration compartment; a second refrigeration compartment comprising a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the second refrigeration compartment; a first valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in the first refrigeration compartment; a second valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in the second refrigeration compartment; and a device for diagnosing a valve failure by detecting whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal, the device including: a controller configured to determine if the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened; and a display configured to display a determination result of said controller, the determination result indicating whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal. 7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state when the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is constant.

The controller may be operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is constant and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is decreased, wherein “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment.

The controller may be operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when both of the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are decreased, wherein “valve leakage failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in an open state.

The controller may be operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are constant, wherein “valve operation failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in a closed state.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator by detecting whether a first valve and a second valve are abnormal, the first valve being configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration compartment and a second valve being configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a second refrigeration compartment, the method including: measuring temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment; determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened; and displaying and indication of whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.

The determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal may include: calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened; and when the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state.

The determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal may include calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened; and when the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state; when the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is decreased, determining that “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment; when both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are decreased, determining that “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve leakage failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in an open state; and when the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are constant, determining that “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve operation failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in a closed state.

The determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal may include: calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the second valve is opened; and when the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state.

The determining whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal may include calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the second valve is opened; when the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state; when the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased, determining that “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment; when both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are decreased, determining that “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve leakage failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in an open state; and when the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are constant, determining that “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve operation failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in a closed state.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageous in that failure of a valve (e.g., “valve connection failure”, “valve leakage failure”, “valve operation failure” or the like) in a refrigerator can be readily detected by detecting whether or not the flow of a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration compartments is normal by comparing temperature changes in the refrigeration compartments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process of diagnosing a valve failure by using the apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary method for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, configurations and operations of embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is one of various patentable aspects of the disclosure and may form a part of the detailed description of the disclosure. However, in describing the disclosure, detailed descriptions of known configurations or functions that may obscure the disclosure may be omitted.

The disclosure may be variously modified and may include various embodiments. Specific embodiments will be exemplarily illustrated in the drawings and described in the detailed description of the embodiments. However, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to specific embodiments but rather to cover all modifications, similarities, and alternatives which are included in the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The terms used herein, including ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe, and not to limit, various components. The terms simply distinguish the components from one another. When it is said that a component is “connected” or “linked” to another component, it should be understood that the former component may be directly connected or linked to the latter component or a third component may be interposed between the two components. Specific terms used in the present application are used simply to describe specific embodiments without limiting the disclosure. An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process of diagnosing a valve failure by using the apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator according to the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an electronic apparatus for diagnosing failure of a valve of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first temperature sensor (L-S) 110, a second temperature sensor (R-S) 120, a controller 200, and a display 300.

Specifically, the first temperature sensor 110 can measure a temperature in a first refrigeration compartment 10, and the second temperature sensor 120 can measure a temperature in a second refrigeration compartment 20. Therefore, the first temperature sensor 110 can be installed at a predetermined position in the first refrigeration compartment 10, the second temperature sensor 120 can be installed at a predetermined position in the second refrigeration compartment 20. For example, the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 can be disposed adjacent to cold air discharge ports of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20.

Here, the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 may be independent spaces of a Kimchi refrigerator. For example, the first refrigeration compartment 10 may be an L room (Left Room) located on one side of the Kimchi refrigerator, and the second refrigeration compartment 20 may be an R room (Right Room) located on the other side of the Kimchi refrigerator. Although the Kimchi refrigerator is disclosed, it is appreciated that this refrigerator is merely exemplary and that embodiments of the present invention apply equally well for any dual compartment refrigerator.

For instance, although the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 are described as the refrigeration spaces of the Kimchi refrigerator in the present embodiment, the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 may also be applied to other refrigerators instead of the Kimchi refrigerator. For example, the present disclosure may also be applied to cosmetic refrigerators, wine refrigerators and the like.

In a state where a compressor (COMP) operates, the first temperature sensor 110 can measure the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 and then send the information on the measured temperature to the controller 200. The controller is an electronic device having logic therein for processing information, e.g., a microcontroller, a processor, a state machine, a microprocessor, etc. Further, in a state where the compressor operates, the second temperature sensor 120 can measure the temperature in the second refrigerator compartment 20 and then send the information on the measured temperature to the controller 200.

A first valve (LV) 410 is installed on an inlet side of a flow path of a refrigerant for cooling the first refrigeration compartment 10, and thus can control the flow of the refrigerant circulating in the first refrigeration compartment 10.

For example, when the first valve 410 shuts off the refrigerant flow path of the first refrigeration compartment 10, the movement of the refrigerant supplied into the first refrigeration compartment 10 is stopped. Therefore, the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 is not decreased and can be maintained at a constant level. When the first valve 410 opens the refrigerant flow path of the first refrigeration compartment 10, the movement of the refrigerant supplied into the first refrigeration compartment 10 is continued. Therefore, the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 can be decreased.

A second valve (RV) 420 is installed on an inlet side of a flow path of a refrigerant for cooling the second refrigeration compartment 20, and thus can control the flow of the refrigerant circulating in the second refrigeration compartment 20. For example, when the second valve 420 shuts off the refrigerant flow path of the second refrigeration compartment 20, the movement of the refrigerant supplied into the second refrigeration compartment 20 is stopped. Therefore, the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 is not decreased and maintained at a constant level. When the second valve 420 opens the refrigerant flow path of the second refrigeration compartment 20, the movement of the refrigerant supplied into the second refrigeration compartment 20 is continued. Therefore, the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 can be decreased.

In a state where the first valve 410 or the second valve 420 is opened, the controller 200 can determine whether or not the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are abnormal by using the temperature information received from the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120.

For example, assume a state where the refrigerator is powered on, the compressor operates and only the first valve 410 between the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 is opened. After four minutes, the controller 200 can receive the temperature information from the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 for a preset period of time and calculate temporal changes of the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 by using the received temperature information. At this time, if the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 is constant, the controller 200 can determine that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are in a “normal” state.

In a state where the compressor operates and only the first valve 410 is opened, if the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 is constant and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 is decreased, the controller 200 can determine that “valve connection failure” has occurred. The “valve connection failure” state indicates that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20.

In a state where the compressor operates and only the first valve 410 is opened, if both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 are decreased, the controller 200 can determine that “valve leakage failure” has occurred. The “valve leakage failure” state indicates that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 in an open state.

In a state where the compressor operates and only the first valve 410 is opened, if the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment 10 and second refrigeration compartment 20 are constant, the controller 200 can determine that “valve operation failure” has occurred. The “valve operation failure” state indicates that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 in a closed state.

On the other hand, assume a state where the refrigerator is powered on, the compressor operates and only the second valve 420 between the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 is opened. After four minutes, the controller 200 can receive the temperature information from the first temperature sensor 110 and the second temperature sensor 120 for a preset period of time and calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 by using the received temperature information. At this time, if the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 is constant, then it is determined that “valve connection failure” has occurred. The “valve connection failure” state indicates that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are reversely connected to the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20.

In a state where the compressor operates and only the second valve 420 is opened, if the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 is constant and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 is decreased, the controller 200 can determine that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are in a “normal” state.

In a state where the compressor operates and only the second valve 420 is opened, if both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment 20 are decreased, the controller 200 can determine that “valve leakage failure” has occurred. The “valve leakage failure” state indicates that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 in an open state.

In a state where the compressor operates and only the second valve 420 is opened, if the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20, the controller 200 can determine that “valve operation failure” has occurred. The “valve operation failure” state indicates that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment 10 and the second refrigeration compartment 20 in a closed state.

The display 300 can display whether or not the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are abnormal.

For example, before the test is performed. “0” can be displayed on the display 300. When the controller 200 determines that the first valve 410 and the second valve 420 are in a “normal” state, “1” can be displayed on the display 300. When the controller 200 determines that the “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve 410 and the second valve 420, “2” can be displayed on the display 300.

When the controller 200 determines that the “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve 410 and the second valve 420, “E” can be displayed on the display 300. When the controller 200 determines that the “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve 410 and the second valve 420, “-” can be displayed on the display 300.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary method for diagnosing a valve failure in a refrigerator of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 3, the method for diagnosing a valve failure in a refrigerator of the present disclosure includes: measuring temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment (S100), determining whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal (S200); and displaying whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal (S300).

In the step S100 of measuring the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment, the first temperature sensor measures the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the second temperature sensor measures the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment when a predetermined time, e.g., four minutes elapse from the power-on of the refrigerator and the switch-on of the compressor and the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

In the step S200 of determining whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal, whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal is determined by comparing the changes in the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened.

For example, in a state where only the first valve is opened, the temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of time. If the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant, it is possible to determine that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state.

In a state where the first valve is opened, the temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of time. If the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is decreased, it is possible to determine that the “valve connection failure” has occurred. The “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment.

In a state where the first valve is opened, the temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of time. If both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are decreased, it is possible to determine that the “valve leakage failure” has occurred. The “valve leakage failure” state indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in an open state.

In a state where the first valve is opened, the temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of time. If the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are constant, it is possible to determine that the “valve operation failure” has occurred. The “valve operation failure” state indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in a closed state.

In a state where the second valve is opened, the temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are calculated for a preset period of time. If the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant, it is possible to determine that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state.

In a state where the second valve is opened, if the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased, it is possible to determine that the “valve connection failure” has occurred. The “valve connection failure” state indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to the refrigerant flow path of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment.

In a state where the second valve is opened, if both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are decreased, it is possible to determine that the “valve leakage failure” has occurred. The “valve leakage failure” state indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in an open state.

In a state in which the second valve is opened, if the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are constant, it is possible to determine that the “valve operation failure” has occurred. The “valve operation failure” state indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in a closed state.

In the step S300 of displaying whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal, whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal is determined by comparing the temperature changes measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and the determination result is displayed on the display.

For example, before the valve is tested, “0” is displayed on the display. When it is determined that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state, “1” is displayed on the display. When it is determined that the “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, “2” is displayed on the display. When it is determined that the “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, “E” is displayed on the display. When it is determined that the “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, “-” is displayed on the display.

As described above, the present disclosure is advantageous in that whether or not the valve in the refrigerator is abnormal (e.g., “valve connection failure”, “valve leakage failure”, “valve operation failure”, or the like) can be readily determined by detecting whether or not the flow of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration compartments is normal by comparing temperature changes in the refrigeration compartments.

While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. For example, those skilled in the art can implement the present disclosure in the form that is not clearly described in the embodiments of the present disclosure by changing materials, sizes and the like of the respective components depending on application fields or by combining or replacing the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all aspects and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure and also that the modifications are included in the technical spirit of the present disclosure which is described in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator by detecting whether or not a first valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration compartment and a second valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a second refrigeration compartment are abnormal, the apparatus comprising: a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the first refrigeration compartment; a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the second refrigeration compartment; a controller configured to determine whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened; and a display configured to display a determination result of the controller, the determination result indicating whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state when the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is constant.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is constant and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is decreased, wherein “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when both of the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are decreased, wherein “valve leakage failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in an open state.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are constant, wherein “valve operation failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in a closed state.
 6. A refrigerator comprising: a first refrigeration compartment comprising a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the first refrigeration compartment; a second refrigeration compartment comprising a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the second refrigeration compartment; a first valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in the first refrigeration compartment; a second valve configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in the second refrigeration compartment; and a device for diagnosing a valve failure by detecting whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal, the device comprising: a controller configured to determine if the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened; and a display configured to display a determination result of said controller, the determination result indicating whether or not the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.
 7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state when the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is constant.
 8. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment is constant and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment is decreased, wherein “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment.
 9. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when both of the temperature in the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are decreased, wherein “valve leakage failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in an open state.
 10. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable to calculate temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigerant compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened and based thereon determines that “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve when the first refrigerant compartment and the temperature in the second refrigerant compartment are constant, wherein “valve operation failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment in a closed state.
 11. A method for diagnosing a valve failure of a refrigerator by detecting whether a first valve and a second valve are abnormal, the first valve being configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a first refrigeration compartment and a second valve being configured to control flow of a refrigerant circulating in a second refrigeration compartment, the method comprising: measuring temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment; determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal by comparing changes in the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor in a state where the first valve or the second valve is opened; and displaying an indication of whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal comprises: calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened; and when the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal comprises: calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the first valve is opened; and when the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state; when the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is decreased, determining that “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment; when both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are decreased, determining that “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve leakage failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in an open state; and when the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are constant, determining that “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve operation failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in a closed state.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein in said determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal comprises: calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the second valve is opened; and when the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein said determining whether the first valve and the second valve are abnormal comprises: calculating temperature changes in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment for a preset period of time in a state where the second valve is opened; when the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is decreased and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is constant, determining that the first valve and the second valve are in a “normal” state; when the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment is constant and the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment is decreased, determining that “valve connection failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve connection failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve are reversely connected to refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigerant compartment and the second refrigerant compartment; when both of the temperature in the first refrigeration compartment and the temperature in the second refrigeration compartment are decreased, determining that “valve leakage failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve leakage failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in an open state; and when the temperatures in the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment are constant, determining that “valve operation failure” has occurred in the first valve and the second valve, wherein “valve operation failure” indicates that the first valve and the second valve maintain the refrigerant flow paths of the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment in a closed state. 